One of the major objectives in automotive engine design is to efficiently and reliably transfer power throughout the engine. This study's objective is to evaluate the reliable means of transferring radial position, as efficiently as possible, between the cam and the crankshaft on a NASCAR Winston Cup race engine.
There are three accepted methods by which the radial position can be transferred between the cam and the crankshaft. These methods are timing chains, belts, and gears. This study encompassed all three of these methods. As the study progressed, the main focus shifted to three styles of timing chains: a conventional roller chain, a silent chain, and a newly developed inverted tooth power transmission chain. The cam drives were evaluated through both analytical and experimental data using the following criteria: harmonic frequency amplitudes, tensile and fatigue strength, chain efficiency, motored torque, dynamometer durability, and race performance.